The 2019 IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit in Photos

The 2019 IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by Athletic Business, attracted dozens of fitness industry professionals for a half-day of networking, expert insights, career-building activities, and more. The event was held in concurrence with AB Show 2019 in Orlando, FL, on November 14, and was generously sponsored by Club Automation and Myzone.

This was the second year for this standalone event that was inspired by the popularity of the original annual summit, which has been held at the Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show for over 10 years. This year, business coach and author Debbie Peterson lead the interactive keynote presentation, followed by a panel discussion with some of the best and brightest women in the industry.

We recapped the day’s activities if you missed out or want to see what the experience is all about.

Debbie Peterson Provides Path to Clarity

“When we have vague and ambiguous goals, we get vague and ambiguous results,” Peterson said during her keynote presentation, “Mindset Strategies for Career Growth.”

During her talk, attendees were taught four strategies that help produce better business decisions, improve focus, accelerate results, and be more productive.

Peterson said in an IHRSA article of her keynote address, “By going through this presentation, you will walk out with actionable items and the beginning of a plan to get the clarity you deserve in your career.”

We’re sure attendees got just that.

After her keynote, Peterson held a question and answer session, in which an attendee asked how does she deal with perfectionism. Her reply: "Done is better than perfect."

People, Perspective, & Purpose

Michele Melkerson-Granryd, an IHRSA board member and general manager at Castle Hill Fitness 360 in Austin, TX, moderated the event’s panel discussion. The panel included Greta Wagner, IHRSA board member, and executive vice president and executive director at Chelsea Piers; Lynne Brick, president and co-owner at Planet Fitness Growth Partners, and founder and co-owner of Brick Bodies Fitness Services; and Carol Nalevanko, president of DMB Sports Clubs.

Continuing the theme on uncovering your own career purpose, panelists discussed how building meaningful connections with those around them helped shape their successful careers.

Taking It Home

Besides taking important lessons home, attendees were treated to a customized goal-setting journal from Club Automation, as well as an MZ-3 physical activity belt and a chance to win a trip to IHRSA 2020 from Myzone.

Attendees could also earn continuing education credits (CECs) needed to keep certifications current from Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF), and National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA).

Of Course, Networking

There was plenty of time between the day’s sessions to meet fellow attendees or to catch up with familiar faces—especially at the networking activity facilitated by Peterson, called “Your Career Bucket List.” Attendees were lead through a series of exercises where they met new colleagues, mentors, sponsors, and/or friends!

Following the networking activity was a cocktail reception, where attendees continued the fun and closed out the night!

The Countdown Begins

If you’re feeling left out, don’t fret. Our next Women’s Leadership Summit is just a few months away during IHRSA 2020 on March 18.